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Alpine #1
Charlotte Pass
A shocking discovery deep in the Snowy Mountains. A killer who will do anything to keep secrets buried.
When ski patroller Vanessa Bell discovers human bones high on Mount Stilwell at Charlotte Pass ski resort, Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder of the Sydney Homicide Squad is called in to lead the investigative team.
Arriving in the isolated, snowed-in village with Winterfest celebrations underway, Ryder soon determines that the bones are those of Celia Delaney, a young woman who disappeared from the ski resort in 1964 during the biggest winter storm in Australian alpine history.
When a second murder takes place, Ryder suspects that the deaths are related, and that the person responsible is still in the village. Amid the escalating tension, Ryder is desperate to make an arrest before the stakes rise even higher.
Set within the stunning Snowy Mountains, this intriguing mystery uncovers deadly, long-buried secrets in the valleys and mountains of this iconic area.
When ski patroller Vanessa Bell discovers human bones high on Mount Stilwell at Charlotte Pass ski resort, Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder of the Sydney Homicide Squad is called in to lead the investigative team.
Arriving in the isolated, snowed-in village with Winterfest celebrations underway, Ryder soon determines that the bones are those of Celia Delaney, a young woman who disappeared from the ski resort in 1964 during the biggest winter storm in Australian alpine history.
When a second murder takes place, Ryder suspects that the deaths are related, and that the person responsible is still in the village. Amid the escalating tension, Ryder is desperate to make an arrest before the stakes rise even higher.
Set within the stunning Snowy Mountains, this intriguing mystery uncovers deadly, long-buried secrets in the valleys and mountains of this iconic area.
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2020
16 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Lee Christine
17 books129 followersLee is the author of four crime novels with romantic elements published with Allen and Unwin.
Lee's best-selling Snowy Mountains series Charlotte Pass, Crackenback and Dead Horse Gap were published in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. Charlotte Pass won the Australian Romance Readers Association award for Favourite Romantic Suspense in 2020. Lee's latest crime novel Glenrock, published in 2024, is set in Lee's hometown of Newcastle.
Prior to her shift into crime writing, Lee wrote six romantic suspense novels published with Harlequin Australia’s Escape Publishing.
Lee loves connecting with her readers and has appeared on a panel at the Newcastle Writer’s Festival, Lake Macquarie Libraries Write Here! Festival, and the Mount Beauty Writer's Festival. Lee has been a guest speaker at major fundraisers for the Friends of Newcastle University and the Mark Hughes Brain Cancer Foundation.
Lee has two grown children and lives in Newcastle with her husband and her Irish Wheaten Terrier, Honey.
Lee's best-selling Snowy Mountains series Charlotte Pass, Crackenback and Dead Horse Gap were published in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. Charlotte Pass won the Australian Romance Readers Association award for Favourite Romantic Suspense in 2020. Lee's latest crime novel Glenrock, published in 2024, is set in Lee's hometown of Newcastle.
Prior to her shift into crime writing, Lee wrote six romantic suspense novels published with Harlequin Australia’s Escape Publishing.
Lee loves connecting with her readers and has appeared on a panel at the Newcastle Writer’s Festival, Lake Macquarie Libraries Write Here! Festival, and the Mount Beauty Writer's Festival. Lee has been a guest speaker at major fundraisers for the Friends of Newcastle University and the Mark Hughes Brain Cancer Foundation.
Lee has two grown children and lives in Newcastle with her husband and her Irish Wheaten Terrier, Honey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
February 15, 2020
When the bones of missing woman Celia Delaney are found in the Snowy Mountains by ski patroller Vanessa Bell, Sydney detective Pierce Ryder is called to the scene. Surprisingly all the suspects from the time she went missing are present at Charlotte Pass ski village for the Winterfest celebrations, even though over fifty years have gone by. Ryder quickly determines murder, then has to sort the wheat from the chaff when interviewing suspects, hard after so much time. Ryder thinks the culprit is in the village, which is confirmed when another murder takes place, but everyone has something to hide, and stories are changing. So who did kill Celia Delaney? Ryder has his work cut out for him.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it quick and easy to read, and even though I guessed the perpetrator early on, this didn't detract from the book at all. It has some wonderful characters, and a marvellous setting in the Snowy Mountains, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to lovers of crime and mysteries.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for an uncorrected proof to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it quick and easy to read, and even though I guessed the perpetrator early on, this didn't detract from the book at all. It has some wonderful characters, and a marvellous setting in the Snowy Mountains, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to lovers of crime and mysteries.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for an uncorrected proof to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own.
January 25, 2020
Ski patroller Vanessa Bell was shocked when she found human bones at Charlotte Pass ski resort. They were high up on Mount Stilwell in an area near the old abandoned chair lift and when it was determined the body was of a young woman who went missing back in 1964, little did Vanessa realise her life was about to change dramatically. Homicide Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder from Sydney arrived with his partner to begin the investigation and when the forensic pathologist informed him the victim had been murdered, the investigation took a different turn.
Snow, deep and isolating was at the forefront of the annual Winterfest celebrations, and guests and skiers were everywhere. The detective who had been on the case back in 1964 had arrived to offer his knowledge and assistance to Ryder and as Lewicki had been his mentor, he was welcomed with open arms. Just when Ryder wondered where to turn next, another murder occurred. The killer was close – would they find who it was? Would they stop the person who had killed again after so long, before it happened again?
Charlotte Pass by Aussie author Lee Christine was an excellent read. Fast paced, plenty of twists with beautiful, dramatic scenery, I felt I was there – wished I was there! Vanessa was a good, strong character with a level head in trying conditions; a caring person whose life seemed full of adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed Charlotte Pass – the mystery, intrigue and gripping suspense - set high up in the Snowy Mountains of Australia, and have no hesitation in recommending it highly. I hope the author continues with these characters as I feel it’d make a great series.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Snow, deep and isolating was at the forefront of the annual Winterfest celebrations, and guests and skiers were everywhere. The detective who had been on the case back in 1964 had arrived to offer his knowledge and assistance to Ryder and as Lewicki had been his mentor, he was welcomed with open arms. Just when Ryder wondered where to turn next, another murder occurred. The killer was close – would they find who it was? Would they stop the person who had killed again after so long, before it happened again?
Charlotte Pass by Aussie author Lee Christine was an excellent read. Fast paced, plenty of twists with beautiful, dramatic scenery, I felt I was there – wished I was there! Vanessa was a good, strong character with a level head in trying conditions; a caring person whose life seemed full of adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed Charlotte Pass – the mystery, intrigue and gripping suspense - set high up in the Snowy Mountains of Australia, and have no hesitation in recommending it highly. I hope the author continues with these characters as I feel it’d make a great series.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2020
Ski patroller Vanessa Bell discovers some human bones on Mt Stilwell at Charlotte Pass Ski Resort. Initially Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder is less than impressed at being pulled by head office off the case he is working on to lead the investigative team for this case. When he arrives at the isolated snowed in village, Winterfest celebrations are underway. Famous skiing legend Aiden Smythe is one of a number of people who has returned to Charlotte Pass for the Winterfest event. Pierce and his team determine the bones are those to be those of Celia Delaney, a young woman who disappeared in 1964 from the ski resort during a massive winter storm. Are the injuries to her body from a fall or are they murder? Pierce is determined to find out. He also has the help of his new partner Detective Constable Flowers and older detective Roman Lewicki who initially handled the case and has been haunted by it ever since. Together, will they be able to solve the case and bring the murderer to justice? When a second person is murdered tensions escalate further.
It was rather strange reading this book at a time when parts of our Snowy Mountain area in Australia are not battling snow and ice but bushfires. It added a rather surreal feel to the read. That anomaly aside, this is an excellent book that had me interested from the outset. I really liked Vanessa and Pierce and the attraction that flares between them. I also liked the way Pierce’s attitudes to his new partner and his quirks start to change over time. The back story of Pierce’s own tragedy added another dimension to this story. As the case is investigated secrets about several people who were there in 1964 and are there again emerge.
My thanks to Allen and Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy to read and review. Just one point which I assume will be picked up in the final copy is on page 38 that when Celia’s father is first mentioned he is referred to as Arthur Delaney. However from the following pages his name is Arnold. A strong story line with interesting and complex characters and a beautifully depicted setting this story is one I really enjoyed and I am sure many other people will too. A highly recommended read.
It was rather strange reading this book at a time when parts of our Snowy Mountain area in Australia are not battling snow and ice but bushfires. It added a rather surreal feel to the read. That anomaly aside, this is an excellent book that had me interested from the outset. I really liked Vanessa and Pierce and the attraction that flares between them. I also liked the way Pierce’s attitudes to his new partner and his quirks start to change over time. The back story of Pierce’s own tragedy added another dimension to this story. As the case is investigated secrets about several people who were there in 1964 and are there again emerge.
My thanks to Allen and Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy to read and review. Just one point which I assume will be picked up in the final copy is on page 38 that when Celia’s father is first mentioned he is referred to as Arthur Delaney. However from the following pages his name is Arnold. A strong story line with interesting and complex characters and a beautifully depicted setting this story is one I really enjoyed and I am sure many other people will too. A highly recommended read.
August 10, 2021
Charlotte Pass is set in the Snowy Mountains and what a wonderful setting for a book. What’s not to love about this book. Intrigue, mystery, twists and turns, strong characters and the beautiful descriptions of the Snowy Mountains and you have yourself a page turner one in which you won’t want to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Aussie author Lee Christine is fast becoming another one of my favorite authors. Highly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Aussie author Lee Christine is fast becoming another one of my favorite authors. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2020
Aussie crime fiction is so good! I just loved this book set in the Snowy Mountains. I was twisty, clever and fast paced - everything that I love in a book. I am already quite attached to the main characters in this book so I hope that we may see them again in a follow up book. I started this Friday night and finished it Saturday night, finding it hard to put down.
It begins with DS Pierce Ryder from the Sydney Homicide team being re-assigned from the hunt of a serial killer to the discovery of human bones on Mount Stillwell at Charlotte Pass. Vanessa Bell, a ski patroller at the resort found the bones high up on the mountain. It is determined that these are the remains of Celia Delaney who disappeared in 1964 in a fierce winter storm. So many years later are they going to be able to find the killer? It comes as the resort is packed with guest there to celebrate Winterfest and the original suspects in her case are all there. When there is a second murder in the resort Ryder cannot help but think that it is the same killer.
The setting of the snowy ski resort, full of visitors and staff is so well written that you feel as if you are there. As an Aussie, many of the places this book takes place in are familiar. The characters in this book are realistic, damaged and with their secrets. Put all together this is binge worthy read. Highly recommend it.
Thank you Allen and Unwin for my copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
It begins with DS Pierce Ryder from the Sydney Homicide team being re-assigned from the hunt of a serial killer to the discovery of human bones on Mount Stillwell at Charlotte Pass. Vanessa Bell, a ski patroller at the resort found the bones high up on the mountain. It is determined that these are the remains of Celia Delaney who disappeared in 1964 in a fierce winter storm. So many years later are they going to be able to find the killer? It comes as the resort is packed with guest there to celebrate Winterfest and the original suspects in her case are all there. When there is a second murder in the resort Ryder cannot help but think that it is the same killer.
The setting of the snowy ski resort, full of visitors and staff is so well written that you feel as if you are there. As an Aussie, many of the places this book takes place in are familiar. The characters in this book are realistic, damaged and with their secrets. Put all together this is binge worthy read. Highly recommend it.
Thank you Allen and Unwin for my copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
September 24, 2020
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Charlotte Pass by Lee Christine. (2020).
When ski patroller Vanessa discovers human bones high on the mountain at Charlotte Pass ski resort, Detective Sergeant Pierce is called in to lead the investigation. When he arrives in the isolated village he soon determines that the bones belong to Celia, a young woman who disappeared in 1964 during a massive winter storm. When a second murder takes place, Pierce suspects the deaths are related and the person responsible is still in the village. Amid the escalating tension he is desperate to make an arrest...
This intriguing mystery is the crime fiction debut for this author and I think it was a pretty good debut! I'd actually be interested to know if the author intends this to be a series with Detective Sergeant Pierce as it certainly had the feel that we could keep going with him on other cases. The action is primarily set in an isolated village in the Snowy Mountains which the author made sound very appealing and stunning. I enjoyed the light romance between the two main characters in addition to the suspense of trying to work out who exactly was involved in both murders. I found this a really easy read and I think anyone who enjoys crime mysteries will appreciate this book.
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Charlotte Pass by Lee Christine. (2020).
When ski patroller Vanessa discovers human bones high on the mountain at Charlotte Pass ski resort, Detective Sergeant Pierce is called in to lead the investigation. When he arrives in the isolated village he soon determines that the bones belong to Celia, a young woman who disappeared in 1964 during a massive winter storm. When a second murder takes place, Pierce suspects the deaths are related and the person responsible is still in the village. Amid the escalating tension he is desperate to make an arrest...
This intriguing mystery is the crime fiction debut for this author and I think it was a pretty good debut! I'd actually be interested to know if the author intends this to be a series with Detective Sergeant Pierce as it certainly had the feel that we could keep going with him on other cases. The action is primarily set in an isolated village in the Snowy Mountains which the author made sound very appealing and stunning. I enjoyed the light romance between the two main characters in addition to the suspense of trying to work out who exactly was involved in both murders. I found this a really easy read and I think anyone who enjoys crime mysteries will appreciate this book.
November 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this mystery-thriller set in the southern NSW ski-fields.
The book opens with a prologue in which the reader witnesses a scene taking place during the notorious blizzard of July 1964 - a woman and her companion are trapped high above the ground in a stationary car on the ill-fated Thredbo - Charlotte Pass chairlift, contemplating their options - chance a potentially fatal leap to the ground followed by a difficult walk to safety, or stay put and freeze to death.
Fifty-five years later, feisty ski patroller Vanessa Bell comes across human remains high on the slopes of Mt. Stilwell, immediately igniting speculation that the bones are those of missing woman Celia Delaney, who disappeared from the Charlotte Pass ski resort during the storm of 1964. Already in the area searching for a fugitive criminal, Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder (whose name made me laugh out loud and think of Bond films!) is assigned the case. Ryder is a prickly character - not only does he have a new partner whose attitude he's unimpressed by, but he's trying to recover from a personal tragedy, the specifics of which are gradually revealed over the course of the book.
Ryder's investigation into the identity of the remains and cause of death are both aided and complicated by the presence at the resort of several of those, now aged in their late 60s and 70s, who were present on the night Celia Delaney disappeared. Despite his reservations, Ryder also can't ignore his growing attraction to witness and ski-patroller Vanessa.
This was an intriguing mystery, with a varied cast of well-developed characters and an evocative sense of setting.
I found the main characters, those of Vanessa and Pierce, well-drawn and sympathetic. Their romance was a secondary sub-plot, skilfully interwoven into the primary mystery storyline. The atmosphere of suspicion and menace as the echoes of an old crime reverberate into the present is effectively achieved, with a wide range of genuine suspects and hidden secrets. I found the conclusion fitting to the preceding plot, although not really shocking.
All in all, a well-written, distinctly Australian mystery with strong characterisations and a touch of romance.
The book opens with a prologue in which the reader witnesses a scene taking place during the notorious blizzard of July 1964 - a woman and her companion are trapped high above the ground in a stationary car on the ill-fated Thredbo - Charlotte Pass chairlift, contemplating their options - chance a potentially fatal leap to the ground followed by a difficult walk to safety, or stay put and freeze to death.
Fifty-five years later, feisty ski patroller Vanessa Bell comes across human remains high on the slopes of Mt. Stilwell, immediately igniting speculation that the bones are those of missing woman Celia Delaney, who disappeared from the Charlotte Pass ski resort during the storm of 1964. Already in the area searching for a fugitive criminal, Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder (whose name made me laugh out loud and think of Bond films!) is assigned the case. Ryder is a prickly character - not only does he have a new partner whose attitude he's unimpressed by, but he's trying to recover from a personal tragedy, the specifics of which are gradually revealed over the course of the book.
Ryder's investigation into the identity of the remains and cause of death are both aided and complicated by the presence at the resort of several of those, now aged in their late 60s and 70s, who were present on the night Celia Delaney disappeared. Despite his reservations, Ryder also can't ignore his growing attraction to witness and ski-patroller Vanessa.
This was an intriguing mystery, with a varied cast of well-developed characters and an evocative sense of setting.
I found the main characters, those of Vanessa and Pierce, well-drawn and sympathetic. Their romance was a secondary sub-plot, skilfully interwoven into the primary mystery storyline. The atmosphere of suspicion and menace as the echoes of an old crime reverberate into the present is effectively achieved, with a wide range of genuine suspects and hidden secrets. I found the conclusion fitting to the preceding plot, although not really shocking.
All in all, a well-written, distinctly Australian mystery with strong characterisations and a touch of romance.
February 22, 2020
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4.5 stars
With six romantic suspense novels to her name, Lee Christine has branched further afield by releasing her first crime novel. Charlotte Pass is the first in a series of planned rural suspense novels set in the picturesque, but also deadly backdrop of the Australian Snowy Mountains region. Christine’s new novel offers a steady flow of suspense, intrigue and romance. Charlotte Pass commanded my full attention from the hooking first chapter, through to final paragraph. It will regale all mystery fans.
Charlotte Pass is set in the rugged, beautiful and dangerous Snowy Mountains region. A killer stalked the area over forty years ago, leaving a family broken and a secret that has managed to stay buried for decades. However, this secret and the bones that go with it are uncovered in the present day by a local ski patroller. Detective Pierce Ryder, from the Sydney Homicide department is called in to investigate the ski patroller’s grim discovery. Ryder’s investigative team believe the bones may be that of a young woman who disappeared in strange circumstances in the mid-1960s. This woman, Celia Delaney, has never been found and her disappearance coincided with a destructive snow storm in the area. As the team begins to put the pieces of this cold case together, a shocking murder occurs, rocking the idyllic alpine village. With no crime present in this area since Celia’s disappearance, Ryder infers that both these cases are somehow linked. The pressure is on to finally close Celia’s cold case and apprehend the culprit of the most recent murder at Charlotte Pass.
After a hot and humid week here in the west, I really appreciated the cool breeze setting of Charlotte Pass. An explosive opening chapter reels the reader right in to this one. I was devoted to Charlotte Pass from the close of the opening chapter, it was fully charged. Christine does a great job of setting the scene early on.
Vanessa is our lead and guide for the duration of this story. I really clicked with Vanessa. She was a strong, brave and independent spirit. I admired many of her actions during the novel. What I also loved about Vanessa was her career choice. As a ski patroller, a profession I know next to little about, we learn a great deal about the ski industry as a whole. We are also privy to the harsh working conditions, the bitter cold and the constant threat of danger due to the elements. Vanessa’s journey was both engaging and enjoyable.
Supporting Vanessa are a solid set of secondary characters. From the Sydney based detective assigned to lead the central case and the second murder, Pierce Ryder, through to police personnel such as Lewicki , the ski resort staff and more, Charlotte Pass is defined by a strong cast list. The book also backtracks to the past, where we learn the fate of Celia, the woman at the centre of the cold case. In addition, Christine examines the key suspects, as well as the integral figures to this perplexing story. Lee Christine’s storytelling is offset by solid characterisation.
As I touched on a little above, I really lapped up this setting. I am completely green to this area of Australia. The Snowy Mountains region is far removed from my coastal West Australian home, where snowfall would be unheard of! Christine captures the allure and beauty of this part of Australia extremely well, her descriptions are on par. Christine also makes us aware of the hazards and dangers that surround this stunning, but potentially deadly locale. This aspect of the novel impressed me.
Another area that performs well in this novel is the romance. It doesn’t overpower the mystery and crime side of the novel, which I valued greatly. As a romantic suspense author of half a dozen books, Lee Christine has drawn on her expertise to inject a perfect blend of romance within her story. With undercurrents of suspense and the echoes of the past marking a place in Charlotte Pass, the reader is kept completely engaged in this story.
The core mystery is shrouded in long held secrets, tightly held truths and a sense of self-preservation on behalf of the suspect pool. Christine is deliberate in her plotting and she presents her reader with a good selection of red herrings and plot twists. This is supported by credible police ground work and the dogged determination of Detective Pierce Ryder, among others. The final reveal was satisfying and plausible. Catching up with the characters three months after the explosive finale was a great move by Christine. It concluded the novel perfectly.
Charlotte Pass is a book that ricochets with suspense, mystery, tension and hidden truths. With dynamic character set, that I hope to be reacquainted with in the not too distant future, I throw my full recommendation behind Charlotte Pass.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Charlotte Pass is book #16 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
With six romantic suspense novels to her name, Lee Christine has branched further afield by releasing her first crime novel. Charlotte Pass is the first in a series of planned rural suspense novels set in the picturesque, but also deadly backdrop of the Australian Snowy Mountains region. Christine’s new novel offers a steady flow of suspense, intrigue and romance. Charlotte Pass commanded my full attention from the hooking first chapter, through to final paragraph. It will regale all mystery fans.
Charlotte Pass is set in the rugged, beautiful and dangerous Snowy Mountains region. A killer stalked the area over forty years ago, leaving a family broken and a secret that has managed to stay buried for decades. However, this secret and the bones that go with it are uncovered in the present day by a local ski patroller. Detective Pierce Ryder, from the Sydney Homicide department is called in to investigate the ski patroller’s grim discovery. Ryder’s investigative team believe the bones may be that of a young woman who disappeared in strange circumstances in the mid-1960s. This woman, Celia Delaney, has never been found and her disappearance coincided with a destructive snow storm in the area. As the team begins to put the pieces of this cold case together, a shocking murder occurs, rocking the idyllic alpine village. With no crime present in this area since Celia’s disappearance, Ryder infers that both these cases are somehow linked. The pressure is on to finally close Celia’s cold case and apprehend the culprit of the most recent murder at Charlotte Pass.
After a hot and humid week here in the west, I really appreciated the cool breeze setting of Charlotte Pass. An explosive opening chapter reels the reader right in to this one. I was devoted to Charlotte Pass from the close of the opening chapter, it was fully charged. Christine does a great job of setting the scene early on.
Vanessa is our lead and guide for the duration of this story. I really clicked with Vanessa. She was a strong, brave and independent spirit. I admired many of her actions during the novel. What I also loved about Vanessa was her career choice. As a ski patroller, a profession I know next to little about, we learn a great deal about the ski industry as a whole. We are also privy to the harsh working conditions, the bitter cold and the constant threat of danger due to the elements. Vanessa’s journey was both engaging and enjoyable.
Supporting Vanessa are a solid set of secondary characters. From the Sydney based detective assigned to lead the central case and the second murder, Pierce Ryder, through to police personnel such as Lewicki , the ski resort staff and more, Charlotte Pass is defined by a strong cast list. The book also backtracks to the past, where we learn the fate of Celia, the woman at the centre of the cold case. In addition, Christine examines the key suspects, as well as the integral figures to this perplexing story. Lee Christine’s storytelling is offset by solid characterisation.
As I touched on a little above, I really lapped up this setting. I am completely green to this area of Australia. The Snowy Mountains region is far removed from my coastal West Australian home, where snowfall would be unheard of! Christine captures the allure and beauty of this part of Australia extremely well, her descriptions are on par. Christine also makes us aware of the hazards and dangers that surround this stunning, but potentially deadly locale. This aspect of the novel impressed me.
Another area that performs well in this novel is the romance. It doesn’t overpower the mystery and crime side of the novel, which I valued greatly. As a romantic suspense author of half a dozen books, Lee Christine has drawn on her expertise to inject a perfect blend of romance within her story. With undercurrents of suspense and the echoes of the past marking a place in Charlotte Pass, the reader is kept completely engaged in this story.
The core mystery is shrouded in long held secrets, tightly held truths and a sense of self-preservation on behalf of the suspect pool. Christine is deliberate in her plotting and she presents her reader with a good selection of red herrings and plot twists. This is supported by credible police ground work and the dogged determination of Detective Pierce Ryder, among others. The final reveal was satisfying and plausible. Catching up with the characters three months after the explosive finale was a great move by Christine. It concluded the novel perfectly.
Charlotte Pass is a book that ricochets with suspense, mystery, tension and hidden truths. With dynamic character set, that I hope to be reacquainted with in the not too distant future, I throw my full recommendation behind Charlotte Pass.
*Thanks extended to Allen & Unwin for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Charlotte Pass is book #16 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
March 7, 2022
When human bones are discovered, by ski patroller Vanessa Bell, near an abandoned chair lift at Charlotte Pass a cold case is reopened and Pierce Ryder is taken off the case of finding murder suspect Gavin Hutton and appointed head of this investigation.
I have already read book 2 in this series and I loved reading the story of how Vanessa and Pierce met. There is a very subtle romance weaving through this crime thriller. Lee Christine has written each of the books so they stand alone well.
In Charlotte Pass we are introduced to DS Pierce Ryder and his partner DC Mitchell Flowers. I loved the way this partnership grew and solidified as the story progressed. Ryder meets up with an old friend, retired Detective Lewicki, who worked a missing persons case in the area in 1964. Both are convinced the bones are the missing women and they must determine if she was murdered or died from exposure.
The suspense builds in this atmospheric mystery as ski patroller Vanessa Bell finds her own life in grave danger. As the ski lodge is closed down and everyone is interviewed it becomes clear that many of the villagers have something to hide.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced read. I was hooked from the prologue and found it hard to put down. The characters are well written and realistic and I liked that the passages on Ryder's past didn't take away from the story but gave the reader a little insight into why he comes across as harsh.
The added details of the hazards encountered in the skiing industry and the harsh conditions was intriguing to this reader who has never visited the area.
Atmospheric, suspenseful and impossible to put down, Charlotte Pass is a must read for thriller fans.
*I received my copy from the publisher
I have already read book 2 in this series and I loved reading the story of how Vanessa and Pierce met. There is a very subtle romance weaving through this crime thriller. Lee Christine has written each of the books so they stand alone well.
In Charlotte Pass we are introduced to DS Pierce Ryder and his partner DC Mitchell Flowers. I loved the way this partnership grew and solidified as the story progressed. Ryder meets up with an old friend, retired Detective Lewicki, who worked a missing persons case in the area in 1964. Both are convinced the bones are the missing women and they must determine if she was murdered or died from exposure.
The suspense builds in this atmospheric mystery as ski patroller Vanessa Bell finds her own life in grave danger. As the ski lodge is closed down and everyone is interviewed it becomes clear that many of the villagers have something to hide.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced read. I was hooked from the prologue and found it hard to put down. The characters are well written and realistic and I liked that the passages on Ryder's past didn't take away from the story but gave the reader a little insight into why he comes across as harsh.
The added details of the hazards encountered in the skiing industry and the harsh conditions was intriguing to this reader who has never visited the area.
Atmospheric, suspenseful and impossible to put down, Charlotte Pass is a must read for thriller fans.
*I received my copy from the publisher
March 15, 2020
WOW this is an exciting page turner firstly what a fabulous setting the Snowy Mountains, I love Charlotte Pass it is a fabulous resort and I do love a story that is set when it is snowing and MS Christine has done brilliantly with her characters and the unravelling of mystery when human bones are found by ski patroller Vanessa Bell, I do hope that you will pick this one up, you will not want to put it down till you get to the bottom of the mystery, this one had me guessing till the very end.
Vanessa is very good at her job and she loves it, used to working around the world this is her first season back in her home country and she is excited about the Winterfest celebrations to be held at Charlotte Pass, when she discovers human bones, this puts a damper on the party and festivities and the need for the homicide squad from Sydney to be called in, and Vanessa is more than willing to help in any way she can.
Pierce Ryder is pulled of a case that he is working on to look into the human bones that have been found, he meets up with his old mentor who worked on a case about a missing woman in this ski resort back in 1964 and he is convinced that these bones are the remains of that missing woman. Pierce meets Vanessa and is happy for her help as he jumps in to unravel the mystery when another murder takes place, upping the need to find out what happened as quickly as possible.
This is a story that has everything that a suspense reader would love and for the romance reader there is a great romance as well, it is fast paced with fabulous characters, Pierce is a great detective questioning suspects who were there back in 1964 to uncover a killer and Vanessa who is always willing to help and knows the area really well, it is intriguing, very well written, I loved the story from start to finish and the journey that Pierce and Vanessa had to find such happiness that was so well deserved. This is a book that I highly recommend.
Vanessa is very good at her job and she loves it, used to working around the world this is her first season back in her home country and she is excited about the Winterfest celebrations to be held at Charlotte Pass, when she discovers human bones, this puts a damper on the party and festivities and the need for the homicide squad from Sydney to be called in, and Vanessa is more than willing to help in any way she can.
Pierce Ryder is pulled of a case that he is working on to look into the human bones that have been found, he meets up with his old mentor who worked on a case about a missing woman in this ski resort back in 1964 and he is convinced that these bones are the remains of that missing woman. Pierce meets Vanessa and is happy for her help as he jumps in to unravel the mystery when another murder takes place, upping the need to find out what happened as quickly as possible.
This is a story that has everything that a suspense reader would love and for the romance reader there is a great romance as well, it is fast paced with fabulous characters, Pierce is a great detective questioning suspects who were there back in 1964 to uncover a killer and Vanessa who is always willing to help and knows the area really well, it is intriguing, very well written, I loved the story from start to finish and the journey that Pierce and Vanessa had to find such happiness that was so well deserved. This is a book that I highly recommend.
November 17, 2021
My third novel for this year is another good mystery (after A Murder at Malabar Hill). I was hooked early on by an interesting first chapter ending I didn’t foresee, but Charlotte Pass serves up a slice of romance, too.
Ryder is a cop sent up to work at Charlotte Pass ski resort with his partner Flowers. A body is found in the snow - could it be a woman who went missing in the 60s? A woman that Ryder’s retired partner, Lewicki, desperately wanted to find?
Vanessa is a ski patroller living and working in Charlotte Pass. There is an instant connection between her and Ryder but, as if they don’t have enough concerns (Ryder is only there in the short term, for example), things get even more complex when another body turns up. And it’s someone that Vanessa knows.
Ryder’s the serious cop with a (mostly secret) tragic past. When done badly it’s a trope I’m not fond of, but Christine made it work well and before long I’d accepted Ryder. Vanessa too was a great character, strong, independent, but had her soft side too. The romance was nicely done, entwined with the murder mystery—it needs to be mixed with other storylines for me. As you progress through the story, you find out Ryder’s backstory and Vanessa’s plans for the future.
Flowers is the vexing new younger partner of Ryder’s. I won’t tell you exactly how the Ryder-Flowers relationship turned out, but I will say that it turns out the millennial wasn’t too bad. Then, there’s Lewicki, Ryder’s ex-partner. He’s an officer in retirement who has never forgotten the case which Ryder now works on. Handy that. Both were good secondary characters.
Actually, when I think about it one thing I most liked about this book—aside from it being such a well-crafted murder mystery—was the cast of characters. The main ones all grew on me giving me plenty of people to like, but the lesser parts were well done, too. Not always likeable, though. They included the suspects, such as a famous race skier back in Charlotte Pass again, the couple who run the hotel, and some band members - one of whom was husband to the missing woman from 1964. Hmm.
I think Christine must have done a good job at developing the characters because I had very little confusion about who they all were even though there were about a dozen ‘known’ people woven throughout the story.
Charlotte Pass is not a hard-hitting novel, but it doesn’t have to be. There is room for stories that entertain, get you away from things and don’t keep you from sleeping like horror novels or, worse, non-fiction books on the environment. This book did that for me, was a well-written, and had the suspects are laid out to guess—always fun. Plus, I love me a snowy setting.
I read this uncorrected proof thanks to the publisher, Allen and Unwin, and the author. The book was given in return for an honest review. It's published early February :)
Ryder is a cop sent up to work at Charlotte Pass ski resort with his partner Flowers. A body is found in the snow - could it be a woman who went missing in the 60s? A woman that Ryder’s retired partner, Lewicki, desperately wanted to find?
Vanessa is a ski patroller living and working in Charlotte Pass. There is an instant connection between her and Ryder but, as if they don’t have enough concerns (Ryder is only there in the short term, for example), things get even more complex when another body turns up. And it’s someone that Vanessa knows.
Ryder’s the serious cop with a (mostly secret) tragic past. When done badly it’s a trope I’m not fond of, but Christine made it work well and before long I’d accepted Ryder. Vanessa too was a great character, strong, independent, but had her soft side too. The romance was nicely done, entwined with the murder mystery—it needs to be mixed with other storylines for me. As you progress through the story, you find out Ryder’s backstory and Vanessa’s plans for the future.
Flowers is the vexing new younger partner of Ryder’s. I won’t tell you exactly how the Ryder-Flowers relationship turned out, but I will say that it turns out the millennial wasn’t too bad. Then, there’s Lewicki, Ryder’s ex-partner. He’s an officer in retirement who has never forgotten the case which Ryder now works on. Handy that. Both were good secondary characters.
Actually, when I think about it one thing I most liked about this book—aside from it being such a well-crafted murder mystery—was the cast of characters. The main ones all grew on me giving me plenty of people to like, but the lesser parts were well done, too. Not always likeable, though. They included the suspects, such as a famous race skier back in Charlotte Pass again, the couple who run the hotel, and some band members - one of whom was husband to the missing woman from 1964. Hmm.
I think Christine must have done a good job at developing the characters because I had very little confusion about who they all were even though there were about a dozen ‘known’ people woven throughout the story.
Charlotte Pass is not a hard-hitting novel, but it doesn’t have to be. There is room for stories that entertain, get you away from things and don’t keep you from sleeping like horror novels or, worse, non-fiction books on the environment. This book did that for me, was a well-written, and had the suspects are laid out to guess—always fun. Plus, I love me a snowy setting.
I read this uncorrected proof thanks to the publisher, Allen and Unwin, and the author. The book was given in return for an honest review. It's published early February :)
March 4, 2020
They had to jump or die.’
Crime fiction set in Australia’s Snowy Mountains? This book was always going to find a place on my reading list.
Human bones are discovered high on Mount Stilwell, near Charlotte Pass, by ski patroller Vanessa Bell. They seem to be the remains of Celia Delaney, a young woman who went missing from Charlotte Pass during a ferocious storm in the winter of 1964.
The case is assigned to Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder from the Sydney Homicide Squad. He’s at first reluctant to accept the case (he’d been in the area for a different investigation). But when an autopsy reveals evidence of foul play, Ryder has an old murder to investigate.
The investigation coincides with a major celebration, and not everyone wants to assist. Then a second murder occurs, and the resort is locked down. Ryder thinks that there’s a connection between the two murders and that the murderer is still in the village. Can he identify the murderer before anyone else is killed?
The story moves at a rapid pace. There are several potential murderers, and a few twists in the tale. There’s also some interesting history about an old chairlift. Pierce Ryder and Vanessa Bell are both interesting characters, as is the detective who initially investigated the 1964 missing person case.
I really enjoyed this novel: both setting and story held my attention from beginning to end.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Crime fiction set in Australia’s Snowy Mountains? This book was always going to find a place on my reading list.
Human bones are discovered high on Mount Stilwell, near Charlotte Pass, by ski patroller Vanessa Bell. They seem to be the remains of Celia Delaney, a young woman who went missing from Charlotte Pass during a ferocious storm in the winter of 1964.
The case is assigned to Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder from the Sydney Homicide Squad. He’s at first reluctant to accept the case (he’d been in the area for a different investigation). But when an autopsy reveals evidence of foul play, Ryder has an old murder to investigate.
The investigation coincides with a major celebration, and not everyone wants to assist. Then a second murder occurs, and the resort is locked down. Ryder thinks that there’s a connection between the two murders and that the murderer is still in the village. Can he identify the murderer before anyone else is killed?
The story moves at a rapid pace. There are several potential murderers, and a few twists in the tale. There’s also some interesting history about an old chairlift. Pierce Ryder and Vanessa Bell are both interesting characters, as is the detective who initially investigated the 1964 missing person case.
I really enjoyed this novel: both setting and story held my attention from beginning to end.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 13, 2020
Wonderful read.
April 26, 2020
Charlotte Pass is about revenge, greed and blackmail. On a routine patrol ski patroller, Vanessa Bell found human remains on Mount Stillwell near the old chairlift. Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder and Detective Constable Mitchell Flowers were in Queanbeyan on another case when they were requested to look into this matter. While Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder and Detective Constable Mitchell Flowers were at the Charlotte Pass resort, another person found dead. The readers of Charlotte Pass will continue to follow the twist and turns in Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder and Detective Constable Mitchell Flowers investigation to find out are the two murders connected.
Wow, Charlotte Pass is another fantastic book by Lee Christine. Charlotte Pass engaged me from the first page, and I was unable to put the book down until the last page. I love Lee Christine portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. I like Lee Christine descriptions of her settings that allow me to picture myself there with the characters. Charlotte Pass is well written and researched by Lee Christine.
The readers of Charlotte Pass will learn about the importance of having full-time ski patrollers at ski resorts. Also, the readers of Charlotte Pass will understand the devastation that blackmailing someone can have on everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
Wow, Charlotte Pass is another fantastic book by Lee Christine. Charlotte Pass engaged me from the first page, and I was unable to put the book down until the last page. I love Lee Christine portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. I like Lee Christine descriptions of her settings that allow me to picture myself there with the characters. Charlotte Pass is well written and researched by Lee Christine.
The readers of Charlotte Pass will learn about the importance of having full-time ski patrollers at ski resorts. Also, the readers of Charlotte Pass will understand the devastation that blackmailing someone can have on everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
February 2, 2020
4.5 stars
I was excited when I opened my mail to find this book inside, I do enjoy a good romantic suspense, especially an Aussie set one. This book managed to hold my attention until I couldn't keep my eyes open, putting it down on the second night with only 30 pages to go and only because I had no other choice as I haven't yet learned to read with my eyes closed (maybe one day).
The story starts with the discovery of some old bones on the ski slope where a couple of people have gone missing over the years, it is determined they are from a woman who went missing decades before. Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder is put in charge of the case, a case his good friend and old mentor Lewicki, was once in charge of, a case Lewicki has never managed to forget.
The bones were discovered by a ski patroller Vanessa Bell and that discovery may just put her life in danger as it seems the murderer is still around and does not plan on getting caught.
Being part of the investigation and coming into contact with Detective Ryder, also awakens emotions in both of them. Ryder's past means he has a lot to deal with before being open to a change like the one Vanessa could bring.
There were plenty of twists and turns in this novel, a few red herrings too, when I was sure I had different things figured out or I was sure I knew what had happened, only to find that I didn't.
I liked both of the main characters and enjoyed their interactions. But I really liked Ryder's new partner Flowers who showed himself to be a very good police officer over the course of the investigation.
This is a tough case for everyone involved, the staff at the resort, the police officers, especially ex-cop Lewicki, and some of the guests at the hotel also play their part in the twists and turns. Plenty of secrets are uncovered during the investigation which helped in the red herrings along the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will be looking for more by this author. Thank you to Allen & Unwin AU for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.
I was excited when I opened my mail to find this book inside, I do enjoy a good romantic suspense, especially an Aussie set one. This book managed to hold my attention until I couldn't keep my eyes open, putting it down on the second night with only 30 pages to go and only because I had no other choice as I haven't yet learned to read with my eyes closed (maybe one day).
The story starts with the discovery of some old bones on the ski slope where a couple of people have gone missing over the years, it is determined they are from a woman who went missing decades before. Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder is put in charge of the case, a case his good friend and old mentor Lewicki, was once in charge of, a case Lewicki has never managed to forget.
The bones were discovered by a ski patroller Vanessa Bell and that discovery may just put her life in danger as it seems the murderer is still around and does not plan on getting caught.
Being part of the investigation and coming into contact with Detective Ryder, also awakens emotions in both of them. Ryder's past means he has a lot to deal with before being open to a change like the one Vanessa could bring.
There were plenty of twists and turns in this novel, a few red herrings too, when I was sure I had different things figured out or I was sure I knew what had happened, only to find that I didn't.
I liked both of the main characters and enjoyed their interactions. But I really liked Ryder's new partner Flowers who showed himself to be a very good police officer over the course of the investigation.
This is a tough case for everyone involved, the staff at the resort, the police officers, especially ex-cop Lewicki, and some of the guests at the hotel also play their part in the twists and turns. Plenty of secrets are uncovered during the investigation which helped in the red herrings along the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will be looking for more by this author. Thank you to Allen & Unwin AU for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.
Read
March 20, 2020Really enjoyed this gripping mystery, with a fantastic alpine setting!
February 7, 2020
Brilliant
Wow, wow wow. What a great story. I found it very hard to put down and was very lucky that it was a rainy day at work, which meant I had plenty of time to read. Charlotte Pass is right up there with the best books I have read. Thank you so much Lee Christine for such a wonderful book. Definitely a six Eagle novel.🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
Wow, wow wow. What a great story. I found it very hard to put down and was very lucky that it was a rainy day at work, which meant I had plenty of time to read. Charlotte Pass is right up there with the best books I have read. Thank you so much Lee Christine for such a wonderful book. Definitely a six Eagle novel.🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
February 3, 2020
Charlotte’s Pass is set in the beautiful Snowy Mountains and follows the story of Vanessa Bell a ski patroller who discovers human bones whilst patrolling one day and throughout the course of the police investigation meets Detective Sergeant Pierce Ryder.
This is my first time reading a Lee Christine novel. I really enjoyed her writing style and ability to keep the storyline flowing well. Once I started this book I was captivated by the story and finished it in one sitting.
Strong lead characters who were both relatable and likeable. Vanessa soon became one of my favourite fictional characters. She has such a strength and ability to stay level headed whilst facing adversity. Christine has an incredible ability when it comes to character development.
Overall I really enjoyed this fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up to the very end and would recommend it to those who enjoy reading crime and mysteries.
I am really hoping the author isn’t finished with these characters as I was left wanting more of their story.
I want to thank Allen and Unwin for generously providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first time reading a Lee Christine novel. I really enjoyed her writing style and ability to keep the storyline flowing well. Once I started this book I was captivated by the story and finished it in one sitting.
Strong lead characters who were both relatable and likeable. Vanessa soon became one of my favourite fictional characters. She has such a strength and ability to stay level headed whilst facing adversity. Christine has an incredible ability when it comes to character development.
Overall I really enjoyed this fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up to the very end and would recommend it to those who enjoy reading crime and mysteries.
I am really hoping the author isn’t finished with these characters as I was left wanting more of their story.
I want to thank Allen and Unwin for generously providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2023
I have had this book for a while in my TBR pile but hadn't quite gotten around to reading it. My book group theme this month was 'Mountains' so I thought this would be a perfect fit. And it was.
This is a murder mystery, past and present and was a book that built in intrigue, twists and turns and suspense throughout. I was never quite sure who was the person behind the murder of Celia Delaney. The pace of the story worked perfectly so I got to know the characters and the descriptions of the area was like I could picture where they were and what was happening.
This is a well written book with great and well formed characters. I loved Vanessa, she is strong on competent and very independent yet still vulnerable at times. Ryder is a ma who would annoy me but having said that he was a good person.
A great read and I really enjoyed it as it kept me interested throughout. The slight romance was a nice touch as it wasn't too much or too soppy. The mystery, the setting, the lives of the people involved all spun a tale that was interesting, gripping and intriguing.
Charlotte Pass
Lee Christine
Allen & Unwin Australia Pty. Ltd.
This is a murder mystery, past and present and was a book that built in intrigue, twists and turns and suspense throughout. I was never quite sure who was the person behind the murder of Celia Delaney. The pace of the story worked perfectly so I got to know the characters and the descriptions of the area was like I could picture where they were and what was happening.
This is a well written book with great and well formed characters. I loved Vanessa, she is strong on competent and very independent yet still vulnerable at times. Ryder is a ma who would annoy me but having said that he was a good person.
A great read and I really enjoyed it as it kept me interested throughout. The slight romance was a nice touch as it wasn't too much or too soppy. The mystery, the setting, the lives of the people involved all spun a tale that was interesting, gripping and intriguing.
Charlotte Pass
Lee Christine
Allen & Unwin Australia Pty. Ltd.
April 19, 2020
Wish i could give it more stars. Fantastic.
October 4, 2020
I listened to the audio book of this one and thoroughly enjoyed it. A well thought out plot that keeps you guessing set in the beautiful landscape of Australia's Alpine Country. Excellent, "page-turning" read. 4.5 stars
February 29, 2020
http://jessjustreads.com
After publishing six romantic suspense novels, Charlotte Pass is Lee Christine’s first crime novel, set deep within the Snowy Mountains and spanning 55 years from 1964 to 2019.
In 1964, the young Celia Delaney goes missing on Mount Stillwell and in 2019, local ski patroller Vanessa Bell discovers her bones. The Sydney-based Detective Pierce Ryder arrives to investigate and what results is a fast-paced, break-neck search to discover who murdered Celia Delaney 55 years ago.
Setting is a strong character in the book, taking readers on a journey through the isolated Snowy Mountains region of Mount Stillwell. You could feel the cold, secluded atmosphere as you read each page. Lee Christine is really skilled at capturing a setting and making the reader feel like they’re really there. What a nice escape this book has been, away from the extreme weather conditions we’ve been experiencing here in Australia.
“The estimate Vanessa had given Ryder turned out to be spot on. In the daylight, he could see where the groomer had worked the day before, smoothing out the snow for the tube run some fifty metres from where she had discovered the bones, down the slope from the snow fences.”
Charlotte Pass is a fascinating read, a truly fabulous crime novel that had me guessing until the final page.
Lee builds tension and suspense with an intriguing premise and engaging characters. Clues are given sparingly and subtly, so by the end of the novel you feel like there are multiple people who could’ve possibly killed Celia five decades earlier. The resolution is not as foreseeable as some crime novels.
Vanessa and Ryder are strong protagonists — gutsy, brash, but also compassionate and understanding, sympathetic and empathetic. Ryder has never really recovered from a family tragedy years earlier, and until now, Vanessa has been functioning on her own without any real need for a significant other.
Both of these characters find something in the other that they didn’t even realise they needed.
“Libby and Detective Ryder were of the same mind when it came to the snow. Libby wasn’t here because of her love of the mountains. She’d followed a boyfriend to Charlotte Pass. A week after she’d taken the job at the kids’ club, he’d broken up with her. Libby now spent most of her time trying to avoid him.”
Romance builds between Vanessa and Detective Ryder, adding another layer of complication to the ensuing investigation. Readers will love the crime and thriller elements of the book, but there are moments of romance injected into Charlotte Pass at intermittent moments and so Lee Christine’s fans will be pleased to know she hasn’t completely strayed from her previous works.
Charlotte Pass features a large cast of dynamic characters — including the setting — but Lee crafts them all with such vivid detail and description that readers will have no issue following the story and engaging with the plot.
The conclusion of the novel is satisfying and realistic, and not predictable. Lee wrapped up the story really well, and I think her existing fanbase will rather enjoy this new direction she’s taking with her work.
“A Tiffany cigarette case wouldn’t have been an easy thing to get your hands on back in 1964, especially for a young dental nurse from Newcastle and her musician husband. They hadn’t exactly been rolling in money, according to a statement Lewicki had taken from Nigel. If not for his gigs, they wouldn’t have even been at Charlotte Pass.”
I think the cover does the book a disservice — it’s designed similar to a lot of historical fiction and romance fiction books. And whilst this may have been a deliberate choice to maintain interest from Lee’s existing fans, I think it may deter crime fiction readers from picking up the book because they won’t realise that it falls within the crime genre.
Atmospheric, suspenseful, and a really enticing read for all ages. Charlotte Pass is recommended for fans of crime fiction, mysteries, and psychological thrillers.
Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
After publishing six romantic suspense novels, Charlotte Pass is Lee Christine’s first crime novel, set deep within the Snowy Mountains and spanning 55 years from 1964 to 2019.
In 1964, the young Celia Delaney goes missing on Mount Stillwell and in 2019, local ski patroller Vanessa Bell discovers her bones. The Sydney-based Detective Pierce Ryder arrives to investigate and what results is a fast-paced, break-neck search to discover who murdered Celia Delaney 55 years ago.
Setting is a strong character in the book, taking readers on a journey through the isolated Snowy Mountains region of Mount Stillwell. You could feel the cold, secluded atmosphere as you read each page. Lee Christine is really skilled at capturing a setting and making the reader feel like they’re really there. What a nice escape this book has been, away from the extreme weather conditions we’ve been experiencing here in Australia.
“The estimate Vanessa had given Ryder turned out to be spot on. In the daylight, he could see where the groomer had worked the day before, smoothing out the snow for the tube run some fifty metres from where she had discovered the bones, down the slope from the snow fences.”
Charlotte Pass is a fascinating read, a truly fabulous crime novel that had me guessing until the final page.
Lee builds tension and suspense with an intriguing premise and engaging characters. Clues are given sparingly and subtly, so by the end of the novel you feel like there are multiple people who could’ve possibly killed Celia five decades earlier. The resolution is not as foreseeable as some crime novels.
Vanessa and Ryder are strong protagonists — gutsy, brash, but also compassionate and understanding, sympathetic and empathetic. Ryder has never really recovered from a family tragedy years earlier, and until now, Vanessa has been functioning on her own without any real need for a significant other.
Both of these characters find something in the other that they didn’t even realise they needed.
“Libby and Detective Ryder were of the same mind when it came to the snow. Libby wasn’t here because of her love of the mountains. She’d followed a boyfriend to Charlotte Pass. A week after she’d taken the job at the kids’ club, he’d broken up with her. Libby now spent most of her time trying to avoid him.”
Romance builds between Vanessa and Detective Ryder, adding another layer of complication to the ensuing investigation. Readers will love the crime and thriller elements of the book, but there are moments of romance injected into Charlotte Pass at intermittent moments and so Lee Christine’s fans will be pleased to know she hasn’t completely strayed from her previous works.
Charlotte Pass features a large cast of dynamic characters — including the setting — but Lee crafts them all with such vivid detail and description that readers will have no issue following the story and engaging with the plot.
The conclusion of the novel is satisfying and realistic, and not predictable. Lee wrapped up the story really well, and I think her existing fanbase will rather enjoy this new direction she’s taking with her work.
“A Tiffany cigarette case wouldn’t have been an easy thing to get your hands on back in 1964, especially for a young dental nurse from Newcastle and her musician husband. They hadn’t exactly been rolling in money, according to a statement Lewicki had taken from Nigel. If not for his gigs, they wouldn’t have even been at Charlotte Pass.”
I think the cover does the book a disservice — it’s designed similar to a lot of historical fiction and romance fiction books. And whilst this may have been a deliberate choice to maintain interest from Lee’s existing fans, I think it may deter crime fiction readers from picking up the book because they won’t realise that it falls within the crime genre.
Atmospheric, suspenseful, and a really enticing read for all ages. Charlotte Pass is recommended for fans of crime fiction, mysteries, and psychological thrillers.
Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2020
Tense, emotional, and thoroughly satisfying. Aussie crime fiction at its best.
In the closed world of Charlotte Pass, two murders, over fifty years apart, test the mettle of two detectives, and bring healing and closure to several characters. As a non-skier, I loved the details of a world I know little about, and couldn't put the book down as I raced to the end. While I had sussed out the murderer, it is far from obvious. Tension ratchets higher and higher and, as the weather closes in once more, Detective Pierce Ryder races against the clock to apprehend a cold-blooded killer and save Vanessa, the ski patroller whose life is threatened by their investigation. And the ending ... thoroughly satisfying all round.
In the closed world of Charlotte Pass, two murders, over fifty years apart, test the mettle of two detectives, and bring healing and closure to several characters. As a non-skier, I loved the details of a world I know little about, and couldn't put the book down as I raced to the end. While I had sussed out the murderer, it is far from obvious. Tension ratchets higher and higher and, as the weather closes in once more, Detective Pierce Ryder races against the clock to apprehend a cold-blooded killer and save Vanessa, the ski patroller whose life is threatened by their investigation. And the ending ... thoroughly satisfying all round.
March 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It’s the first book in the Alpine Series from Australian author Lee Christine. The story got off to a great start and had believable characters. This was a really good murder mystery with multiple realistic suspects with a great locale, set in a ski resort in the mountains of Australia. This book kept my attention the whole way through and was difficult for me to put down. There were a few surprises along the way and I was totally satisfied with the ending. I will definitely continue on with the second book in the series. I will also recommend this book to friends who enjoy good crime fiction. It definitely deserves more attention. Highly recommend!
Read
February 14, 2021Grabbed this one at a Book Fair. So glad I did. Loved it. Set in the Aussie snowfields a cold case (no pun intended) brings a handsome detective to Chalotte Pass. With another murder during that investigation makes the intensity of the story rise as does the relationship between Detective and snow patroller. So very pleased to find that a follow on has just been released and is next on my reading pile.
December 1, 2023
Wow!!! If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! Where do begin, firstly I thought this book would be your typical true crime story but it was so much more! The relationships, the backstory, the character’s imperfections were so intrinsically personal and beautifully written. This book has everything, the romance, the twist, the classic crime guessing game and it’s set in Australia which I love! If you haven’t read this book please do! You won’t be disappointed 🙌🏻
December 10, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️
A little slow in some parts (at the beginning and then at the very end) but it was a story worth sticking with.
Love the setting, being not too far from home ❄️ I would be interested to go along with Detective Ryder for more mystery in the next book in the series 🤩
A little slow in some parts (at the beginning and then at the very end) but it was a story worth sticking with.
Love the setting, being not too far from home ❄️ I would be interested to go along with Detective Ryder for more mystery in the next book in the series 🤩
January 4, 2022
An enjoyable read.
January 20, 2020
In 1964, Celia Delaney goes missing from the snow fields of Charlotte Pass after a fight with her husband. 54 years later, remains believed to be hers are discovered, and Detective Sargeant Pierce Ryder is sent to investigate.
Charlotte Pass follows Ryder on his investigations through this isolated land. It's a solid crime story, filled with twists and bends that I didn't see coming.
Unfortunately this book still wasn't a stand out for me. I guess the problem I had with this book is that it didn't seem sure what it wanted to be. It's marketed as a crime novel, but the cover to me screams romance (or possibly romantic suspense, at a pinch). The storylines of romance and crime weren't as well blended as what I'd expected in a romantic suspense though. I feel like it would have worked better if it solely was a crime novel - the romance aspect just didn't work for me and felt forced.
But, that said it was easy to read, the crime and investigation were interesting. Whilst it wasn't a complete win for me, I'm interested to see what this author comes out with next.
**I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Charlotte Pass follows Ryder on his investigations through this isolated land. It's a solid crime story, filled with twists and bends that I didn't see coming.
Unfortunately this book still wasn't a stand out for me. I guess the problem I had with this book is that it didn't seem sure what it wanted to be. It's marketed as a crime novel, but the cover to me screams romance (or possibly romantic suspense, at a pinch). The storylines of romance and crime weren't as well blended as what I'd expected in a romantic suspense though. I feel like it would have worked better if it solely was a crime novel - the romance aspect just didn't work for me and felt forced.
But, that said it was easy to read, the crime and investigation were interesting. Whilst it wasn't a complete win for me, I'm interested to see what this author comes out with next.
**I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
May 3, 2020
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Allen & Unwin, exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating of 3.5
When human bones are uncovered up at Charlotte's Pass in the Snowy Mountains, the possibility of solving a fifty year old case is real. In 1964, Celia Delaney apparently walked out of Charlotte's Pass on her way to Perisher after having a fight with her husband, she was never seen or heard from again. When Detective Ryder Pierce is put on the case, he heads up to Charlotte's Pass to see what he can uncover, what he doesn't expect, is to come face to face with yet another murder. Are the two murders related? And if so, why has it taken fifty years for the second one to occur?
I was pretty excited about this book, one, it's a murder mystery so that would have been enough, but the second reason is because I live in the High Country of Victoria, so I'm nearby to these areas, that was the biggest selling point, if I'm honest. I must admit, it made me giggle a little at the beginning of the book to be reading about a manhunt happening in Khancoban, as I live in a neighbouring town. So the familiarity of the towns and areas that were being mentioned in this book did tickle my fancy a bit, and also made the story a little bit more relatable, I feel as well.
The story starts off with ski patrol Vanessa Bell stumbling across human bones near an area that is about to be opened as a tube run. Our ruggishly handsome detective Ryder is actually working on a different case to begin with, he's on a manhunt and is less than impressed when he finds out he's being taken off his current job and being put up on Charlotte's Pass to help a colleague solve a case that happened fifty years ago. Once there however, Ryder Pierce jumps straight in and does what he does best, solves the damn thing.
The scenery was incredibly well described and it really put you in the location. I felt the cold, and as said above, I got a bit of a giggle out of actually knowing where the author was writing about. Though I must admit, I'm not much of a snow bunny, so I haven't actually been up to the brilliant skiing and snowboarding areas surrounding me, I prefer to spend my winters indoors, under a blanket with my cat, a blanket and a cup of tea. But this book definitely made me kinda wish that I was more inclined to get out and into the white stuff. As someone who knows nothing about skiing, I loved how much information was actually included that explained about it all, Christine mentions in the acknowledgements section at the end of the book that her daughter helped her with all the skiing information, so I love that she's done a bit of research into it, it adds that dimension of realness to the story.
The characters were well written. I had a feeling who the culprit was at about the 2/3 mark, but I wasn't a hundred percent sure as Christine did a good job at throwing in a few possibilities on who could have done it. Ryder is a flawed and general nice guy with a bit of baggage, which I wasn't a hundred percent sure of why the accident he was involved in was added...I'm not sure if it was meant to add depth to his character, or a bit of backstory. Even though it didn't entirely gel for me having added this accident to the character's past, I'll admit, I did get the warm an fuzzies near the end when he seemed to be healing from his ordeal, I just didn't quite understand the point of it being there. Vanessa was a good character, a strong, independent woman who is kind, down to Earth and beautiful, there's honestly not a whole lot to say about her than that. She was a good character, I just didn't feel like I connected with them completely.
This is a murder mystery/Detective novel, with a bit of romance thrown in which actually threw me a little bit. I felt like the story was sort of pulled between these two genres, they weren't really blended together too well. I'll admit, I was invested in the romance by the end, but I still don't quite understand why it was such a big part of the story...I'm not sure if, once again, Christine was trying to make the story a bit deeper, or whether she wasn't too sure which genre she wanted the story to be.
I found the pacing to be a bit slow at times, but once things started to get going after the 60% mark, the pacing really picked up, so I found it to be a satisfying read in the end.
All in all, it's a decent whodunit with a bit of romance thrown in to spice things up. The most appealing thing for me was the location where the story was based because I live in the area. If you like a good murder mystery, give this one a crack.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Allen & Unwin, exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating of 3.5
When human bones are uncovered up at Charlotte's Pass in the Snowy Mountains, the possibility of solving a fifty year old case is real. In 1964, Celia Delaney apparently walked out of Charlotte's Pass on her way to Perisher after having a fight with her husband, she was never seen or heard from again. When Detective Ryder Pierce is put on the case, he heads up to Charlotte's Pass to see what he can uncover, what he doesn't expect, is to come face to face with yet another murder. Are the two murders related? And if so, why has it taken fifty years for the second one to occur?
I was pretty excited about this book, one, it's a murder mystery so that would have been enough, but the second reason is because I live in the High Country of Victoria, so I'm nearby to these areas, that was the biggest selling point, if I'm honest. I must admit, it made me giggle a little at the beginning of the book to be reading about a manhunt happening in Khancoban, as I live in a neighbouring town. So the familiarity of the towns and areas that were being mentioned in this book did tickle my fancy a bit, and also made the story a little bit more relatable, I feel as well.
The story starts off with ski patrol Vanessa Bell stumbling across human bones near an area that is about to be opened as a tube run. Our ruggishly handsome detective Ryder is actually working on a different case to begin with, he's on a manhunt and is less than impressed when he finds out he's being taken off his current job and being put up on Charlotte's Pass to help a colleague solve a case that happened fifty years ago. Once there however, Ryder Pierce jumps straight in and does what he does best, solves the damn thing.
The scenery was incredibly well described and it really put you in the location. I felt the cold, and as said above, I got a bit of a giggle out of actually knowing where the author was writing about. Though I must admit, I'm not much of a snow bunny, so I haven't actually been up to the brilliant skiing and snowboarding areas surrounding me, I prefer to spend my winters indoors, under a blanket with my cat, a blanket and a cup of tea. But this book definitely made me kinda wish that I was more inclined to get out and into the white stuff. As someone who knows nothing about skiing, I loved how much information was actually included that explained about it all, Christine mentions in the acknowledgements section at the end of the book that her daughter helped her with all the skiing information, so I love that she's done a bit of research into it, it adds that dimension of realness to the story.
The characters were well written. I had a feeling who the culprit was at about the 2/3 mark, but I wasn't a hundred percent sure as Christine did a good job at throwing in a few possibilities on who could have done it. Ryder is a flawed and general nice guy with a bit of baggage, which I wasn't a hundred percent sure of why the accident he was involved in was added...I'm not sure if it was meant to add depth to his character, or a bit of backstory. Even though it didn't entirely gel for me having added this accident to the character's past, I'll admit, I did get the warm an fuzzies near the end when he seemed to be healing from his ordeal, I just didn't quite understand the point of it being there. Vanessa was a good character, a strong, independent woman who is kind, down to Earth and beautiful, there's honestly not a whole lot to say about her than that. She was a good character, I just didn't feel like I connected with them completely.
This is a murder mystery/Detective novel, with a bit of romance thrown in which actually threw me a little bit. I felt like the story was sort of pulled between these two genres, they weren't really blended together too well. I'll admit, I was invested in the romance by the end, but I still don't quite understand why it was such a big part of the story...I'm not sure if, once again, Christine was trying to make the story a bit deeper, or whether she wasn't too sure which genre she wanted the story to be.
I found the pacing to be a bit slow at times, but once things started to get going after the 60% mark, the pacing really picked up, so I found it to be a satisfying read in the end.
All in all, it's a decent whodunit with a bit of romance thrown in to spice things up. The most appealing thing for me was the location where the story was based because I live in the area. If you like a good murder mystery, give this one a crack.
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